Brian's announcement that he has taken up the Constructor challenge is hopeful. I've been frustrated for the last 4-5 years in a quest to find an updated interpretation of a classic Herse and Singer Randonneur and Cyclotourist bike. Though we have undoubtedly some of the finest Artisan Bicycle Builders in the world, I continue to look to France and Japan for inspiration that integrated machines are still being produced.
Brian's rack/fender/aerobag concepts are exciting. It will be great to encounter an american made bike with fenders and racks that are designed to be installed and removed quickly and rigid enough to resist excessive vibration and not rattle. Racks, Fenders and Aerobags are but a part of the equation.
Lights, control systems from the handlebar area, instruments (cyclometer/altimeters/HR monitors/wattmeters), horns/bells, round out the challenges.
My elusive bicycle idealized for my perfect world has the following specifications:
1. Contains no zip ties 2. Contains no supplemental clamps 3. Contains lights that illuminate the road while the machine is either stopped or moving. The lights can be shut off manually. They will automatically shut off after a reasonable period of time (15-45 minutes) if the rider forgets. 4. Racks and Fenders that are rock solid, light and easily and quickly removed. They should also nest while stored. 5. Front (Randonneur style) and Rear Racks. Separate, front lowrider racks 6. Racks can act as secondary fender mount points 7. Wireless or Internal wiring that wll power lights, instruments. 8. Frame braze ons to hold instruments and sensors (no zip tied cyclometer pick-ups, no stem/bar clamps for instruments) speedometer/odometer/cadence/altimeter/14 day stop-watch/ clock/calendar/backlite functions. (Others may want wattmeter, GPS, telephone, Heart rate monitor, radio but I'm ok with the above) 9. Two water bottles, preferably three (plain water, water with energy/electrolyte supplemental, back-up) 10. Tail light mounted on the Seat tube out of harms way, spare taillight connection for rear fender mount and/or low chainstay mount 11. Dynamo powered lights, solar powered instruments handlebar stem mounted control for bottle dynamo 12. Very Efficient Dynamo 13. Light touch caliper brakes that will clear 32 mm tires and fenders. Caliper pivots brazed to the frame 14. A H'bar stem that will accept and accommodate a loaded h'bar bag weighing 15 lbs. without funky clamps. 15. Pump peg braze ons 16. Spoke holder 17. Bottom of top tube mounted braze ons, like water bottle braze ons, to accept screw-in studs that connect event numbers to the frame (without a zip tie) 18. Internal brake cable Routing 19. Can accommodate 32mm tires and 20 mm tires 20. If Steel, ornate lugs. 21 Bell on the stem 22. Name of owner, builder, build date (month/year) on the punched into a stem component or a decorative plate brazed to the frame 23. Lockable column or Bottom Bracket 24. Chain holder on the seat stay 25. Leather or nylon chain slap guard 26. Rider serviceable components (hubs, headsets, BB, Shifters, derailleurs, Brakes, Freewheels/Cassettes) 27. Demountable (allows the frame to fit into a large, standard size suitcase). 28. Weigh 25 lbs or less (without fluids but with appendages)
The classic Herse/Singer bicycle was developed while a war was going on (late 1930's). There were few cars and people had a lower standard of mobility. A different transportation system (trains) was dominant. There were also a lot fewer people on the planet. Highly mobile americans today are using motor vehicles to reach enjoyable/challenging routes. The use of an automobile dictates that the bulky appendages come off quickly and pack densely.
We've also had a revolution in the electronic and information systems. Despite this the bicycle remains in the stoneage as builders of bikes, lights, instruments refuse to get together to promulgate standards for a standard instrument functions, for mounts, for connections, for wiring buses. Though I like the wind in my hair and the stress relief that a day long endurance ride (away from phones and e-media) provides, it would be nice if I could rely on a device on/in my bicycle to help me determine where I am and to help me communicate with loved ones and emergency personnel if I need help.
The above spec includes a lot of pie in the sky wishes that are unlikely to happen with the small production volumes. I truly hope that Brian's efforts does include accommodation of dynamo lighting and other devices to allow the "standlight" function. Maybe the bike current folks can assist in producing small volumes of a standlight device. I also hope that some fixtures (internal, external or combination) are installed so that wiring does not get zip tied to the frame. Prevent Frame defacement - avoid clamps and zip ties wherever possible.
In randonneuring the fenders are more of a courtesy device for others you may be riding with than for self protection. There's nothing less fun than being splashed with road debris from a tire rooster tail for 30 hours straight (been there). The racks are for storing food, emergency supplies, rain gear, a layer of clothing as one goes from the heat of the day to the cool of the night. Some randonneurs pack sleeping gear but they are very few in number. Light touring is more likely to include sleep gear.
Jan and Doug have some great insights (especially the geometry, low BB and the overlap Randonneur/light touring bike) but I'll have to disagree with Jan on the removability of appendages. He says why do it with all the wiring and stuff going on. My response is that quick disconnect wiring connections are another challenge for the constructor (and assistants) to solve. It may not be solved due to the low volumes but it should. There are whole companies out there who do nothing else but design wiring connectors . Surely they can put their great minds together to come up with a elegant randonneur rack plug that is waterproof.
Avoiding the American race geometry is a good idea though the european stage race tour bikes are a little more relaxed (at least in the main triangle) and are as good as a classic touring bike. Clearly the French geometry should be the inspiration.
I wish you well on your new project(s) and hope you find the challenges rewarding.
Todd Teachout Hercules, CA Ancien PBP (like Jan and Bill Bryant and other? on the list)